Scott Feldman Heads to Cincinnati

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 20: Relief pitcher Scott Feldman #46 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on September 20, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Spring Training is right around the corner. Many pitchers are preparing to report alongside their battery mates for what will the dawn of the 2017 season. Among them will be Scott Feldman. The Cincinnati Reds penned the righty to a one year, $2.3 million contract with a reported $2.2 million in incentives.

Source: RHP Scott Feldman to #Reds on one-year, $2.3M contract. Deal could max out at $4.5M with incentives. Has passed physical; deal done.

Scott Feldman Heads to Cincinnati

Feldman, 33, has spent 10 seasons in the major leagues. He made his debut with the Texas Rangers on August 31, 2005. The Rangers brought him up again in 2006, when he would switch between the major league club and their Triple-A Oklahoma affiliate. All throughout his time in the minor leagues, Feldman was heavily praised for his impressive control.

Feldman spent a total of eight season with Texas before being granted free agency. He went on to play for the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Huston Astros, and the Toronto Blue Jays. To this point, Feldman has had something to offer every team he’s been a part of.

Versatility

The big thing about this signing is that the Reds can use Feldman in a couple of roles. He offers the ability to be an everyday starter. He has done this job well enough in the past. Feldman has hit the 180 inning mark three times in his career, twice with a sub-4.00 ERA.

Feldman is also a solid bullpen arm, and has competently held that role for much of his career. He appeared in 40 games in 2016 for the Astros and Blue Jays, including five starts. He compiled a 3.97 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 77 innings.

The Reds managed to pull out a decent deal before Spring Training gets underway. They get a versatile righty who can eat up innings as both a starter and a reliever. He signed for a price that Reds fans can’t complain about. Feldman is going to compete for the fifth starter spot and, if he pitches well, is very likely to be flipped at the deadline.

Will joined the staff in December 2016. He is a recent graduate of Iowa State University, having majored in both Sociology and Criminal Justice. He primarily follows the MLB and the Atlanta Braves, along with Oregon State baseball, Iowa State football and basketball.